Almost every motorcyclist can agree on the importance of motorcycle performance. When you’re out riding, performance in every aspect—from how the bike handles to acceleration, the exhaust, and the wheels—can make or break the experience.
Understanding the different factors that impact performance is key for any motorcycle owner, whether the bike is for everyday commuting, competitions, or touring. It’s also essential to learn about if you’re looking to optimise your motorcycle’s capabilities.
Motorcycle performance is influenced by both mechanical and non-mechanical factors. These include the engine itself, transmission, weight, aerodynamics, tyres, brakes, exhaust system, maintenance, and even electronics.
The Different Things That Could Impact Your Motorcycle’s Performance
There are so many aspects that can impact your bike’s performance. Below, we’ve listed all the different factors so you can learn and use them to maintain and optimise your bike for the best possible performance.
Engine Condition & Tuning
The condition of your engine plays a massive role in motorcycle performance. Staying on top of routine servicing, including regular oil changes, valve adjustments, and spark plug replacements, is crucial for ensuring the engine runs smoothly for optimal performance.
The tuning of a motorcycle’s engine can also affect performance. If the bike isn’t properly tuned, it can allow the wrong combinations of fuel-air mixture to enter, affecting ignition timing and performance.
Fuel Quality
Fuel quality is crucial for a motorcycle’s performance and efficiency. Using the wrong octane level can cause engine knocking (pre-detonation), engine damage, and lower performance.
So, if you want to ensure your motorcycle is running optimally, you want to check the octane rating and use the recommended level. High-performance engines also typically require higher octane fuel.
Air Intake & Exhaust Systems
The air intake and exhaust systems also affect a bike’s performance. The air filters, in particular, directly influence performance and engine health. Regularly cleaning the air filters allows for optimal airflow, which is crucial for efficient combustion.
Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, leading to an incorrect level of fuel-air mixture that reduces power and throttle response. With a clean air filter, it ensures the engine is getting the correct amount of air for fuel combustion every time.
When it comes to the exhaust system, high-flow exhaust systems are known to be better for performance as they allow the reduction of back pressure and increase power output. There are generally two types of upgrade exhaust systems—mufflers only/slip-on systems (retaining the factory head pipes) or replace the full system.
Tyres
The state of your tyres and the tyres themselves can impact your motorcycle’s performance. Over time, tyres wear down, worsening their ability to grip the road and impacting fuel efficiency.
Other aspects of the tyre can also impact performance. This includes the tyre’s inflation—if it is over or under-inflated, it could lead to reduced performance. It’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s recommended tyre guidelines for proper inflation.
Braking System
The braking system is a crucial part of every motorcycle. It is critical for performance and stopping power. First of all, the braking system plays a massive part in a motorcycle’s handling and control.
Good brakes contribute to a motorcycle’s stability, especially during high-speed situations and sudden stops. This helps with balancing and performance, as well as reducing the chance of skidding or sliding.
An effective braking system also makes it easier to maintain performance when cornering, allowing for more assertive riding. A high-performing brake system also provides more responsive feedback, allowing for more control over the entire bike and brakes when on the road.
Electrical System
The electrical system plays a massive role in the operation and performance of a motorcycle—particularly in modern bikes equipped with advanced electrical braking technologies like anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
Faulty or defective electrical systems, like a bad battery, can impact all other electrical systems, like ABS, reducing performance and potentially posing a safety risk. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your electrical system and servicing.
Lubricants & Fluids
The quality of your motorcycle’s fluids can also impact performance. Low-quality oil and coolant can cause poor temperature levels and more friction and wear.
How To Improve Your Motorcycle’s Performance
There are many options available when it comes to improving your motorcycle’s performance. If you’re looking to undertake a project, there are several opportunities depending on your budget—from complete engine upgrades to changing to high-performance brakes.
Engine Upgrades
One of the most efficient ways to improve your bike’s performance is through engine upgrades. If you’re not sure where to start, there are also a range of opportunities to choose from.
Installing high-performance air filters is a cost-effective way to increase your bike’s performance and consistency. A high-performance air filter allows increased airflow to the engine, improving combustion efficiency and power.
Depending on the make and model of your bike, it’s also possible to replace the stock exhaust system with high-flow aftermarket parts. This can increase horsepower and the riding experience, but it’s important to get it professionally installed and ensure it is road-legal.
Upgrading the camshafts located in the bike’s engine to performance models can improve power and valve timing.
Weight Reduction
Weight plays a direct role in speed and acceleration. So, changing stock parts to lightweight components or removing any non-essential parts to reduce overall weight can improve acceleration and handling.
Transmission
Moving to a high-performance clutch in your motorcycle can increase power and better engagement through more clamping force. A new clutch is relatively more expensive compared to some other options, but it’s one of the best ways to improve your bike’s performance.
Brake Upgrades
You can undertake various braking upgrades to improve your bike’s performance. Depending on your budget, you can start by replacing your brake lines with a high-quality material like stainless steel for more consistent performance.
Other braking upgrade options are using high-performance brake pads for fade resistance and better stopping power. It’s also possible to upgrade the rotors in your braking system for better heat dissipation and improved brake control.
Performance Tyres
Similarly to cars, high-performance tyres exist for motorcycles, designed specifically for improving speed and control on the road for all types of riding—sport, touring, and off-road.
If you haven’t already, we also recommend checking the correct pressure for your tyres. Maintaining the correct pressure will ensure optimal contact with the road and improve handling and fuel efficiency.
Electronics & Tuning
The mechanical parts of your bikes aren’t the only components that can be upgraded. It’s also possible to improve the electronic components, like swapping to performance spark plugs to improve combustion efficiency and power.
It’s also possible to tune a motorcycle’s ECU (electronic control unit) to improve performance and tailor it towards your riding style and any modifications made.
Modifications
Various motorcycle modification kits enhance performance depending on your bike’s make and model. These include exhaust upgrades, supercharger kits, aftermarket mufflers, and more. However, before installing any modifications, we recommend speaking to a professional workshop to ensure they are road-legal.
Book Your Motorcycle In At Taverner For A Performance Boost
At Taverner Motorsports, we are passionate about all things motorcycles, including performance work. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your motorcycle’s exhaust system or install a supercharger kit, our team has the experience to bring your dream motorcycle to life. We specialise in performance upgrades for Harley Davidson motorcycles and know our way around an M8 engine.
The Taverner Motorsports team has over 40 years of experience in the industry, working on bikes of all makes and models, providing routine servicing, performance modifications, and custom workshop services. When you come to us, you’re working with an experienced team.
If you own a Harley-Davidson, our store is an authorised dealer for the PROCHARGER SuperCharger kits. These kits are designed to increase your bike’s power and torque, providing an unrivalled riding experience. We also source the kits directly from the manufacturer in the U.S. so that you can expect only genuine parts.
When you choose Taverner to work on your motorcycle, you can also expect complete transparency from start to finish. We keep you informed throughout the whole process, providing information on the work or repairs required, estimated costs, and a timeline for completion.
If you want to boost your motorcycle performance, contact the Taverner Motorsports team for a quote today. We’re also happy to answer any queries you may have.